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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
FEBRUARY 19, 2009
ROOM 204 CARLSON LIBRARY, CLARION CAMPUS
CLARION, PA 16214
7:00 P.M.
I. RECORDING OF ATTENDANCE
The meeting was called to order by Mr. James, Chairperson, with the following
Trustees present:
Dr. Syed Ali-Zaidi
Mrs. Susanne Burns
Mr. Richard Hilinski, Secretary
Mr. R. Lee James, Chairperson
Mr. James Kifer
Mr. Kyle McMunn
Mr. Howard Shreckengost, Vice Chairperson
The following trustees were absent from the meeting:
Mr. H. John Drayer
Mr. Jeffrey Szumigale
The following members of the University administration attended the meeting:
Mr. Paul Bylaska, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Joseph Grunenwald, President
Dr. Valentine James, Provost and Academic Vice President
Dr. Christopher Reber, Executive Dean, Venango Campus
Mr. Harry Tripp, Vice President for Student and University Affairs
II.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2008 AND THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2008
A motion was made by Mr. Hilinski, seconded by Mrs. Burns, that the
minutes of the November 20, 2008 regular meeting of the Council of Trustees
and the November 24, 2008 special meeting be approved as distributed by mail.
The motion carried unanimously.

III.

COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Public Comments - None

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B.

Report of Student Senate
President Brian Perkins reported on Student Senate activities, including
his participation in the annual leadership conference of the Board of
Student Government Presidents, hosted by California University of PA;
Senate survey of student coffee preferences; roundtables with
Recognized Student Organizations (RSO’s) to review the process for
requesting funds from the Clarion Student Association; change in the
schedule for Student Senate elections to encourage improved turnout and
to help ensure a better transition for incoming officers; and preparations
for the Reinhard Awards event on April 22.

C.

Report of Faculty Senate – No report

D.

Council Chairperson’s Report
Mr. James reminded the trustees that the deadline for submitting
Statement of Financial Interests forms to the State Ethics Commission
was May 1. He also reminded trustees that the Spring 2009 Pennsylvania
Councils of Trustees (PACT) Conference would be held April 1-3 in
Harrisburg. Noting that the conference was being held in conjunction with
the PASSHE’s 25th Anniversary, PACT representative Mrs. Burns
encouraged members to attend. Mr. James also alerted the trustees to
this year’s informal review of Presidential leadership and noted a tentative
date of Friday, April 10, for interviews with constituent group leaders. He
thanked Mr. Kifer for agreeing to join the Presidential Leadership Review
Committee.

IV.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
A.

President
Information Items
1.

Enrollment Update
Dr. Grunenwald reported that Spring 09 headcount enrollment was
up 177, yielding an FTE of 37. He noted that for Fall 09,
applications were up 9% and deposits were up 20%. He further
noted that the university expected to exceed a 1% increase in total
enrollment for Fall 09.

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2.

State System News
Dr. Grunenwald shared information about several State System
initiatives, including work on a new student information system,
implementation of the state’s new Right to Know Law, and the
PASSHE’s provision of guidance to its member universities on the
development of policy on the use of cellular phones and wireless
communication devices.
Dr. Grunenwald noted that Clarion University had recently
developed and approved its Right to Know policy and was working
on procedures to clearly define the types of records it would retain,
the offices charged with retaining various records, and the duration
of retention. He further noted that Clarion was working on a policy
to address issues of taxation on payments and reimbursements
made by the university to employees for their use of cell phones
and other wireless communication devices for business. The policy
must ensure compliance with IRS rules and regulations.

3.

Tuition Relief
Dr. Grunenwald called the trustees’ attention to two handouts at
their places on the Governor’s proposed Tuition Relief plan
designed to provide $150 million in additional tuition relief to firstyear students at PASSHE universities and PA community colleges
and to be funded through video poker proceeds. He also shared
information on an alternative proposal introduced today by State
Senator Jeff Piccola that would limit annual tuition increases to the
inflation rate and apply to students attending PASSHE universities
and community colleges as well as state-related and state-affiliated
schools. He noted that funding for the Piccola plan was to come, in
part, from the state’s tax credit program for movies made in PA.
Noting that Clarion University had the lowest family income of any
PASSHE university other than Cheyney University, Dr. Grunenwald
indicated that he was pleased that additional state aid to students
and their families was being proposed.

B.

Academic Affairs
Information Item
1.

The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS)
Dr. James introduced Dr. Robert Balough, outgoing faculty
coordinator for The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS)
program. Dr. Balough provided background information on the

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program, begun by the State System in 1989 as a means of
providing students with valuable insight into the workings of state
government at the policy-making level. Dr. Balough introduced
Clarion University senior Sean Gilfillan who discussed his THIS
experience with the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Mr. Gilfillan
reviewed his Fall 08 internship at the Center and the opportunities it
had afforded for applying research to real-world problems,
contributing to articles for publication, and networking.
2.

Moratoria
Dr. James reviewed university Education programs placed in
moratorium due to new Pennsylvania Department of Education
certification requirements.

3.

Creation of Department of Sociology
Dr. James noted the creation of the Department of Sociology,
effective Spring 2009. He added that change had been made to
enhance the potential for growth and curricular development of the
university’s sociology and social work offerings, which had been
formerly housed in the Department of Political Science, Sociology,
and Philosophy.

4.

Department Chair Elections
Dr. James announced the election of Dr. Andrew Turner as chair of
the Department of Biology and Dr. Catherine Petrissans as chair of
the Department of Sociology.

5.

Third International Environmental Conference
Dr. James announced that Clarion University would host the Third
International Environmental Conference on March 31 and April 1.
Noting his involvement with the undertaking at his former institution,
Dr. James indicated that the event would bring scholars from
diverse backgrounds to campus and provide an opportunity for
faculty presentations that would be published in a refereed journal.
Dr. James also announced that he and Dr. Jocelind Gant would be
taking a week-long trip to Japan, Taiwan, and Korea to recruit
students.

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6.

PASSHE Course Sharing Agreement
Dr. James briefly discussed a PASSHE initiative to share courses
and save resources.

7.

Appointment of Director of Academic Services
Dr. James introduced Dr. Ryan Theroux, new Director of Academic
Services. Dr. James noted that Dr. Theroux’s responsibilities would
include accreditation and program review coordination,
undergraduate and graduate research grant programs and other
academic support duties. Dr. Theroux indicated that he was very
excited to join the university community and to work with its
students, faculty, and staff.

C.

Finance and Administration
Action Item
1.

Approval of Capital Program Submissions, 2010-2011
Mr. Bylaska reviewed projects on the university’s Capital Program
Submissions for 2010-2011. He noted that the Governor’s recent
budget proposal included an increase in capital appropriations from
$65 to $130 million. Approval of the increase, noted Mr. Bylaska,
might help to accelerate the time line for approval of Clarion’s
program submissions.
A motion was made by Mr.Hilinski, seconded by Mr. Kifer,
that the following resolution be approved. The motion carried
unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the 2010-2011Capital Program Submissions to the State
System of Higher Education.

Information Items
1.

Auditors’ Report for Year Ended June 30, 2008
Mr. Bylaska introduced Mr. Rick Bair and Mr. Bill Kelly of the
auditing firm Parente Randolph. Mr. Kelly reviewed the auditing
process and reported that his firm had expressed an unqualified
opinion on the university’s financial statements for the year ended
June 30, 2008. Mr. Bair noted proactive changes that Clarion had
taken that had positioned the university well despite the challenges

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of tough budgets. Mr. Bylaska thanked recently retired University
Comptroller John Frances and former Budget Director now Director
of Budget and Accounting Mark Angel and their staffs for their
excellent work.
2.

Status of Facilities Report
Mr. Bylaska reviewed facilities projects outlined in the Status of
Facilities Report attached to the Council’s agenda. He highlighted
the completion of a feasibility study for the renovation of 100 year
old Becht Hall into a comprehensive Student Success Center. He
also noted that there would be a lot of activity in the center of the
Clarion campus this Summer with the completion of the Science
and Technology Center, demolition of Chandler Dining Hall, and
other work. Mr. James recognized the efforts of Dr. Reber and his
team related to the renovation of the West End Pond, which is
nearing completion at the Venango Campus.

D.

Student and University Affairs
Action Items
1.

Approval of Proposed 2009-2010 Room and Board Rates
Mr. Tripp reviewed his recommendations for a residence hall room
increase of 5% for 2009-2010 and a meal plan increase of 6% for
the same time period. He also reviewed comparative data on the
university’s ranking within the PASSHE for room and board rates.
Mr. Hilinski proposed that the resolutions on the proposed 20092010 Room and Board Rates be voted on together.
A motion was made by Dr. Ali-Zaidi, seconded by Mr.
Hilinski, that the following resolutions be approved. The motion
carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, by the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
that room rates be set as follows, effective with the Fall semester,
2009:
Double Room Semester
Double Room Summer Session
Double Room Summer Weekly
Single Room Semester
Single Room Summer Session
Single Room Summer Weekly

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-

$2174
$ 725
$ 145
$2786
$ 928
$ 186

RESOLVED, by the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
that board rates be set as follows, effective with the Summer I
semester, 2009:
19 Standard
19 Meal Flex
14 Meal Flex
10 Meal Flex
5 Meal Flex
Block 175 Flex
Block 75 Flex
Summer Session
Summer Weekly

-

$ 1021 semester
$1268 semester
$1231 semester
$1000 semester
$ 715 semester
$1184 semester
$ 749 semester
$ 339
$ 68

Information Item
1.

Fund-raising Report
Mr. Tripp reported that the Foundation had raised a total of $1.99
million in private support for FY08-09 to date. He noted the receipt
of a $500,000 gift for the Science and Technology Center and
indicated that a little over $600,000 still needed to be raised as the
university’s match for that project.

V.

REPORT OF COMMITTEES
A.

Executive Committee
Mr. James reported that the Executive Committee had met on February
10, 2009, and that copies of the minutes from that session would be
mailed to trustees.

B.

Finance Committee
A motion was made by Mr. Hilinski, seconded by Mr. McMunn, that
the following resolution be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the Finance Committee Report for October 14 to December 9,
2008.

VI.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None

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VII.

NEW BUSINESS
A.

Property Issues
Mr. James noted that the Council would be going into Executive Session
to discuss property issues and would return to public session to vote on
related property acquisitions before adjourning.

______________________________________________________________________
The trustees entered into executive session at 9:20 p.m. to discuss property issues and
returned to public session at 9:40 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
Action Items
A motion was made by Mr. Kifer, seconded by Mrs. Burns, that the
following resolution be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
WHEREAS, the property owned by Mr. Frank Schaeffer Jr. and located at
206 Wilson Street in the Borough of Clarion is available to Clarion
University of Pennsylvania to provide opportunities for expansion,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees of Clarion University of
Pennsylvania authorizes the President to purchase the above named
property, subject to the approval of the Chancellor, and the Board of
Governors of the State System of Higher Education, and all other
necessary conditions, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees authorizes the President to
proceed with obtaining the approval of the Board of Governors.

A motion was made by Mrs. Burns, seconded by Mr. McMunn, that
the following resolution be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
WHEREAS, the property owned by Mr. David Rhea and located at 1061
East Wood Street in the Borough of Clarion is available to Clarion
University of Pennsylvania to provide opportunities for expansion,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees of Clarion University of
Pennsylvania authorizes the President to purchase the above named
property, subject to the approval of the Chancellor, and the Board of
Governors of the State System of Higher Education, and all other
necessary conditions, and be it further

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RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees authorizes the President to
proceed with obtaining the approval of the Board of Governors.
VIII.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Hilinski to adjourn the meeting. The meeting
was adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

_________________________
Richard Hilinski, Secretary
Council of Trustees

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